It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
